'''Dunfermline''' [http://www.fife.gov.uk/] is a historic town in the [[Kingdom of Fife]], [[Scotland]]. It is the ancient capital of Scotland, and the birthplace of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie - at one time the richest man in the world. Dunfermline Abbey is the burial place of Robert The Bruce, while Pittencrieff Park (known locally as The Glen) is one of the most attractive parks in Scotland

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'''Dunfermline''' [http://www.fife.gov.uk/] is a historic town in the [[Fife|Kingdom of Fife]], [[Scotland]]. It is the ancient capital of Scotland, and the birthplace of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie - at one time the richest man in the world. Dunfermline Abbey is the burial place of Robert The Bruce, while Pittencrieff Park (known locally as The Glen) is one of the most attractive parks in Scotland

Revision as of 09:44, 1 July 2009

Dunfermline[9] is a historic town in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland. It is the ancient capital of Scotland, and the birthplace of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie - at one time the richest man in the world. Dunfermline Abbey is the burial place of Robert The Bruce, while Pittencrieff Park (known locally as The Glen) is one of the most attractive parks in Scotland
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Dunfermline Abbey from Pittencrieff Park

Contents

Get in

By plane

The nearest airport to Dunfermline is Edinburgh International Airport [10] (EDI), situated to the south of the Firth of Forth, 14 miles/22km from Dunfermline. The airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights to Europe and North America. It costs in the region of £30 for a each way by taxi. (See the Edinburgh article for more details, however there is a bus service from the airport to nearby Inverkeithing, which is a £10 taxi fare from Dunfermline (or the train from Inverkeithing to Dunfermline Town is £1.90).

By train

Dunfermline is served by 2 railway stations. Dunfermline Town, which is in the centre of the town, and Dunfermline Queen Margaret, which is located in the northeast of the town, near Queen Margaret Hospital. There is a half hourly (hourly after 19:00) Fife Circle service to Edinburgh Waverley. (See the First ScotRail [11] website for timetable information)

By car

Dunfermline is located near the M90 motorway which runs from the Forth Road Bridge to Perth. Access to the south and centre is via M90 junction 2, and the west is accessed from via junction 3.

By bus

There are frequent bus services to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth, and surrounding towns. The Bus Station has been temporarily relocated to the East Port whilst renovation work goes on, including the demolition of the old bus station to allow for the building of a Kingsgate extension.

Get around

Dunfermline's town centre is fairly well equipped with amenities for the 21st century shopper. Most sites are within walking distance and a bus station is provided for journeys to surrounding areas.

"PlanaJourney" [12] is a free integrated public transport journey planner that covers Dunfermline and includes much of the Scottish, Northern Ireland and UK public transport network. It includes bus, rail, subway, Scottish ferries and internal UK flights. It can assist with planning journeys into and out of Dunfermline from anywhere in the Dunfermline or Fife area or more widely from anywhere in Scotland and the UK. Outside of Scotland and Northern Ireland the bus information is limited.

See

Dunfermline Abbey and grounds KY12 7PD [15], located at the West of the town centre. The Abbey dates back to the 11th century, and is mainly ruined, but with a surviving impessive nave. Open daily 9.30 to 5.30 Mid March to End Sept, rest of the year it is closed on Fri and closes at 4.30. Admission £3.70. Adjoining church is open free in summer.

Do

Take a stroll around Pittencreiff Park this park was purchased by Andrew Carnegie and donated to the people of the town. There are signed walks of various lengths. The park contains a small museum, gardens and hothouses. In the north eastern section of the park is the remains of King Malcolm's tower. This tower appears on the town crest and dates back to around 1000 AD. Snack vendors in the park also sell bags of nuts with which to feed the squirrels.

Buy

Eat

If you are just stopping off as part of a longer journey there are several restaurants and fast food places at the Fife Leisure Park. (Exit the M90 at junction 3 and take the Duloch Park exit on the roundabout at the top of the slip road).

Get out

Aberdour - Described as "The Jewel of Fife", Aberdour is a historic and stunningly attractive coastal village. Aberdour Castle is a must-see, as well as the Blue-Flag awarded beach the Silver Sands. There are also several pubs, restaurants, and boutique shops. 15 minutes drive East of Dunfermline, or hop on the regular train/bus services.

Culross - Some 10 miles to the west - the village that time forgot. A quaint selection of dwellings, all restored, dating from the 17th and 18th century. Abbey, Town House, Study and Palace all worth a visit.

Dollar - It takes about 40 minutes by car. Take the A823 in the direction of Crieff and follow the signs for Dollar en route. There are great walks around Dollar Glen and there is the partial ruin of Castle Campbell to explore.

Falkland - A small village with historic palace, about 40 minutes drive away.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!